The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait, and require less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they’re younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices a potential problem, or before they turn seven years old. We may not need to do anything at that age other than monitor your child’s mouth. However, if we continue to watch your child’s development during their routine exams, we can start treatment right away when it’s needed.
Early intervention can be very beneficial. We watch how your child’s mouth and teeth grow and develop, so if we see something that needs attention, we act. We’ll also know exactly when to start treatment, if needed.
You may wonder why the AAO emphasizes age seven. At that age, the first adult molars are coming in and helping establish the back bite. This allows us to evaluate your child’s bite, both front-to-back and side-to-side, and identify whether early treatment could help.
Early treatment allows us to do the following:
- Make room for the permanent teeth when there is overcrowding
- Ensure facial symmetry
- Reduce trauma when the front teeth are protruding
Early treatment also reduces the need to remove teeth and reduces the amount of time patients must wear braces. Though many people don’t think much about orthodontic treatment, without it your child may deal with the following problems, according to AAO studies:
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
With orthodontic treatment, on the other hand, your child may experience the following benefits:
- A healthier mouth, since crowded teeth can be hard to brush and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Fewer broken teeth, since protruding teeth are more likely to break, particularly if your child ever experiences dental trauma.
We truly believe that orthodontic care is about more than just a pretty smile, it makes your child healthier. If you have any questions about orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (561) 845-7374.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, or sooner if your dentist notices a potential issue.
Why does early orthodontic treatment matter?
Catching bite and alignment issues early often leads to simpler, more effective treatment, less time in braces, and can reduce the need for tooth removal later on.
What problems can early orthodontic treatment help prevent?
Early treatment can help prevent overcrowding, facial asymmetry, trauma from protruding front teeth, and issues like crossbites and open bites.
Will my child definitely need orthodontic treatment at age seven?
Not necessarily. In many cases, we simply monitor your child’s bite and development during routine visits and begin treatment only if and when it’s needed.
What happens if orthodontic issues go untreated?
Untreated bite issues can lead to crowded teeth that are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease, as well as a higher risk of broken teeth from protruding front teeth.